For round seven of the world Superbike championship, the riders head to Portugal for the Nilox Portuguese Round at Portimao’s Autodromo Internacional do Algarve. Those hoping for a sunny southern climate were out of luck, with early rain clearing to a definably mild day by the afternoon – though the action on the track more than made up for it.

Jonathan Rea has been doing us proud as a Carole Nash brand ambassador once again – as well as the Kawasaki Racing Team, of course – with his ninth and tenth podium finishes of the season. He absolutely stormed race one, with a 9.8-second lead over team mate Tom Sykes – who was looking set for the win himself until bike problems caused him to fall back. Third place was taken by Chaz Davies for Aruba.it Racing.

Leon Haslam, also a Carole Nash ambassador, fell to 12th in race one after sliding on some wet asphalt. Still suffering from an injury to his ribs, Haslam has been battling hard all through the tournament to hold his own in the top table, and had an amazing run in race two, claiming the third podium spot.

Rea took first place again in race two, with second place going to Aruba.it’s Davide Giugliano.

The day’s racing sees Rea continue his domination over the rest of the table – a clear 100 points ahead of the rest of the pack! Sykes has stolen second – but only just. We’re confident our man Haslam won’t be in third for long.

The next round is the second Italian leg of the season, in Misano on the 21st of June. We can’t wait!